LGBT organization hosts Pasadena pride festival on Saturday

Gay, straight and curious people could attend “Pride Is!” on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hosted by San Gabriel Valley Pride, the free event will be held at Pasadena’s Memorial Park, 30 N. Raymond Ave. Although L.A. Pride was only three months ago, spokesman Christopher Ramirez said this event is much-needed.

“For the very same reason that (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people) settled into the San Gabriel Valley area, they don’t have to go to Los Angeles or Hollywood to live their lives,” he said. “We found the San Gabriel Valley LGBT community just seems to be more about home and heart, more about self-development, more about running into neighbors at the event.”

His organization has had a Pride festival since 2001. Last year, about 700 people attended, Ramirez said. Attractions include local LGBT author readings and book signings, drag queen bingo, erotic art, a classic car show, and family and children activities.

Attendees will also get to share their life experiences for a community story project headed by the Pasadena Public Library’s staff, “We the PPL.” The project is meant to create bridges for communication and to enrich a community identity.

Aside from having fun, the point of the event is so people could get to know their neighbors and learn about nonprofits, Ramirez said.

“The large, urban Pride celebrations would be like Daytona Beach for Spring Break,” Ramirez said. “There’s a lot of people and a lot of drinking. Valley Pride and a number of other Pride celebrations are a little more quiet.”